New leader named for Marysville schools

MARYSVILLE — A superintendent of a school district north of Spokane was hired Thursday to takeover the Marysville School District.

Becky Cooke Berg is scheduled to start her new job on July 1 when longtime Superintendent Larry Nyland is set to retire.

Berg, who has a doctorate in education, currently serves as the superintendent of the Deer Park School District.

The Marysville School Board announced Thursday that it had hired Berg from a field of six candidates, including Edmonds Assistant Superintendent Tony Byrd, Lakewood Superintendent Dennis Haddock, Mount Vernon Superintendent Carl Bruner, Lake Washington School District administrator Jon Holmen and Orting Superintendent Michelle Curry.

More than 40 parents, community leaders and staff members were part of the process to select the three finalists, Berg, Bruner and Byrd. The finalists each spent a day earlier this week touring the district and talking with people.

“This was a very difficult decision for the board to make as all three finalists were very strong,” said school board president Chris Nation in a statement from the board.

“All five of our semifinalists were capable of doing the job. The three finalists all could provide the leadership and skills we need, but in different ways,” said school board member Tom Albright. “For us, given the challenges that our district faces, I am confident and excited that Dr. Becky Berg can lead our board, leadership team, principals and teachers to the next level.”